The smell of fresh bread in the kitchen is a joy. Homemade focaccia, with its golden crust and soft inside, is a treat. This focaccia one loaf recipe is simple to make and brings the Italian focaccia taste to your home.
This easy focaccia bread recipe stands out because of its garlic-herb olive oil. Simmering olive oil with rosemary and garlic adds a rich flavor. Your homemade focaccia will impress everyone with its taste.
This best focaccia one loaf recipe is easy for anyone to follow. The dough is quick to make, and the steps are clear. You’ll make perfect olive oil focaccia and rosemary focaccia every time. Your sea salt focaccia will be the star of the show.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Focaccia Bread
Focaccia is a beloved Italian flatbread loved by many. It has a unique dimpled surface and a rich, olive oil flavor. Its history goes back to ancient Roman times.
What is Focaccia?
Focaccia is a flat Italian bread known for its dimpled texture and olive oil. The name comes from the Latin “focus,” meaning hearth or oven. This baking method creates the bread’s signature dimples, soaking up olive oil and herbs for a rich taste.
Origins and History of Focaccia
Focaccia’s roots are in ancient Roman flatbreads called “panis focacius.” These were baked on hearths or in fire ashes. They were a favorite among Roman legions and spread across the Mediterranean.
Over time, focaccia evolved with regional toppings and baking styles. The Focaccia ligure from Liguria is famous for its olive oil. Other styles include Focaccia pugliese from Puglia and Focaccia barese from Bari. There’s also a sweet Focaccia dolce found in various regions.
“Focaccia is a true culinary reflection of the Mediterranean, capturing the essence of Italian hospitality and the joy of simple, yet flavorful, baking.”
Why Make Homemade Focaccia
Baking homemade focaccia has many benefits. It lets you control the ingredients and flavors. This makes it a fun and rewarding project.
One big reason to make focaccia at home is the freshness and flavor. Homemade focaccia beats store-bought in taste and texture. It has a golden crust and a soft interior that’s a joy to eat.
Also, making focaccia at home lets you try different toppings and herbs. You can use classic rosemary and sea salt or try caramelized onions and roasted garlic. This way, you can make your focaccia unique and personal.
Another advantage is saving money. Making your own focaccia can be cheaper than buying it. You can make high-quality bread without spending a lot. This makes homemade focaccia a great choice for those on a budget.
Lastly, baking focaccia at home is rewarding. It’s a chance to improve your bread-making skills and see your hard work pay off. It’s a hands-on activity that connects you to the tradition of bread baking.
Ingredients for Best Focaccia One Loaf Recipe
Making the perfect focaccia bread begins with choosing the right ingredients. The olive oil gives it a rich, crisp texture. The herbs add aromatic flavor, making each part crucial for the best focaccia.
Olive Oil
Using high-quality olive oil is key to a tasty focaccia. It adds a subtle richness and helps create the crispy outside and soft inside. Choose a fruity, peppery olive oil for the best flavor.
Herbs and Aromatics
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic are essential. They make the olive oil smell amazing, just like an Italian bakery.
Flour and Yeast
The right mix of flour and yeast is vital. All-purpose or bread flour helps the dough rise. The yeast, whether active dry or instant, makes the dough light and airy.
“The key to a perfect focaccia is in the quality of the ingredients. Splurge on a good olive oil and let the fresh herbs shine.”
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making homemade focaccia bread is easy and fun. You’ll learn how to make focaccia, from making the garlic-herb oil to proofing and shaping the dough.
Making the Garlic-Herb Oil
First, make a tasty garlic-herb olive oil. In a small saucepan, mix 1/2 cup (120ml) of extra-virgin olive oil with 2 finely minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary), and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme). Heat it gently, stirring often, until the garlic smells good and the herbs flavor the oil, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool after heating.
Preparing the Focaccia Dough
In a big bowl, mix 1 cup (235ml) of lukewarm water (around 110°F to 115°F) with 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast (or one 1/4-ounce packet). Wait 5-10 minutes for the yeast to get bubbly.
Then, add 1/4 teaspoon of sugar, honey, or maple syrup, 2 1/2 cups (325g) of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt to the yeast mix. Mix it gently until it’s a shaggy dough. Don’t knead it; just fold it a few times to build the gluten.
Proofing and Shaping the Dough
Grease a big bowl with some garlic-herb oil. Put the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat evenly. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
After it’s risen, put the dough in a lightly oiled 9×13-inch baking pan. Stretch and shape it to fit the pan, making dimples on the surface. Cover it and let it rise again for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it’s slightly puffed.
Your focaccia dough is now ready for baking. Drizzle the leftover garlic-herb oil over the dough, filling the dimples. Your focaccia proofing tips and shaping focaccia are done!
“The secret to perfect focaccia is in the slow rise and gentle handling of the dough. This ensures a light, airy texture and plenty of those signature dimples.”
Baking Techniques for Perfect Focaccia
To get the perfect focaccia, you need to master a few baking tricks. First, create steam in the oven at the start. This makes the dough rise and gives it a light, airy feel. Then, take out the steam halfway through to crisp up the outside.
Dimpling the dough before baking is another key step. It stops it from rising too much and makes those lovely focaccia dents. Baking it in a rimmed pan also helps. It makes the edges golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft.
- Create steam in the oven during the initial baking stage to encourage rise and airy texture.
- Remove the steam source halfway through baking to allow the exterior to crisp up.
- Dimple the dough before baking to prevent excessive rising and achieve those classic focaccia indentations.
- Bake the focaccia in a rimmed baking sheet or pan to ensure the edges get perfectly golden and crisp.
By using these tips for baking focaccia and techniques for crispy focaccia, you’ll make focaccia like a pro. You’ll get a delicious, perfectly baked loaf that everyone will love.
“The secret to the best focaccia is in the baking – getting that perfect golden crust and airy, chewy interior.”
best focaccia one loaf recipe
Learning to make homemade focaccia is a fun kitchen project. This recipe lets you try two tasty versions: Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia, and Olive Oil and Garlic Focaccia. These breads show how versatile and delicious focaccia can be.
Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia
For a traditional rosemary focaccia, top the dough with fresh rosemary and sea salt. The smell of rosemary and the crunch of sea salt make every bite special. It’s great with soups, salads, or as a side to Italian dishes.
Olive Oil and Garlic Focaccia
The olive oil and garlic focaccia highlights the taste of good olive oil and garlic. Drizzle garlic-infused oil over the dough and add sea salt. It’s perfect for dipping in balsamic vinegar or sauces, making it a hit as an appetizer or side.
Choosing between rosemary and sea salt or olive oil and garlic, this recipe will impress everyone. Enjoy making these focaccias and share them with your loved ones.
“Focaccia is the perfect canvas for showcasing the best of Italian flavors, from fragrant herbs to rich olive oil and beyond.”
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Freshly baked focaccia is a versatile bread that pairs well with many dips, spreads, soups, and salads. It’s great as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. Focaccia is a crowd-pleaser that can make your meal better.
Dips and Spreads
Try dipping focaccia in olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a Mediterranean taste. You can also enjoy it with creamy dips like spinach and artichoke or zesty hummus. Pesto or olive tapenade spread on focaccia adds a burst of flavor.
Soup and Salad Pairings
Focaccia is perfect with hearty soups like minestrone or tomato bisque. Its light texture and savory flavors contrast well with rich soups. Pairing focaccia with fresh green salads or Italian-inspired salads like Caprese makes a balanced meal.
Focaccia is a versatile canvas for exploring different flavors. Whether you choose classic Mediterranean tastes or modern combinations, this beloved Italian bread will enhance your dining experience.
“Focaccia is the perfect bread to soak up the flavors of your favorite dips, soups, and salads. It’s a delicious way to elevate your meal and bring a touch of Italy to your table.”
Tips for Storing Focaccia
Enjoying fresh, fluffy focaccia is the ultimate goal. Sometimes, you might have leftovers to store. Here are some tips on how to keep this delightful Italian bread fresh.
For short-term storage, keep baked focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep the temperature between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help the bread stay soft and flavorful.
If you need to store focaccia for longer, freeze it. Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can stay fresh for up to 1 month in the freezer. To serve, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
Stale focaccia doesn’t have to go to waste. You can turn it into French toast, breadcrumbs, or a savory stuffing. There are endless ways to enjoy this versatile bread.
“Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh, but with proper storage, you can savor its delicious flavors for days to come.”
The key to keeping focaccia’s texture and taste is proper storage. Follow these tips to ensure your homemade focaccia stays fresh. This way, you can enjoy it whenever you want.
Focaccia Variations and Toppings
This focaccia recipe is a classic, with rosemary and garlic-herb toppings. But you can make it your own in many ways. For a sweet twist, top it with fresh fruit like figs or grapes. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with honey.
Sweet Focaccia Ideas
Try something new with sweet toppings. Use sliced figs, grapes, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. A drizzle of honey adds a sweet contrast to the savory base.
Savory Focaccia Toppings
For a savory option, add thinly sliced tomatoes or caramelized onions. Olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs are great too. You can make it your own with endless topping ideas.
FAQ
Q: What is the key to making the best focaccia?
Q: Is this an easy focaccia recipe to make at home?
Q: What are the main ingredients in this focaccia recipe?
Q: How do you achieve the signature dimpled surface of focaccia?
Q: Can you customize the flavors of homemade focaccia?
Q: How do you store leftover focaccia?
Focaccia One Loaf Recipe
Ingredients
- Garlic-Herb Olive Oil:
- 1/2 cup 120 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
- Dough:
- 1 cup 235 ml lukewarm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1/4 tsp sugar honey, or maple syrup
- 2 1/2 cups 325 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
Notes
- Variations: Add toppings like rosemary and sea salt or caramelized onions for more flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.